Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has officially opened a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) learning zone, addressing a significant gap in the education of local schoolchildren.
Part of the Foundation’s Percy House HQ, next to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, has been transformed with technology and resources to enable hands-on learning, industry-led workshops and delivery of formal qualifications.
Xavi Simons was among the first to visit the space during a tour of the local area alongside Club legends Ledley King and Michael Dawson last week.
This week, the learning zone welcomed young people from Lea Valley Primary School, who took part in LEGO and robotics activities, as well as the Haringey Learning Partnership (HLP), who competed in esports.
Teachers and industry representatives also attended and joined in activities led by the Lea Valley pupils, who are trained STEM ambassadors having completed a specialist programme run by the Foundation and Club partner Schneider Electric.
The Foundation is building out its STEM offering as research shows that many schools, particularly in disadvantaged areas, face significant barriers delivering STEM education.
A study by Haringey Council said attainment and participation in STEM subjects were well below London and national benchmarks, with another report last year highlighting that 46% of schools in England cite funding as a major barrier to STEM provision and 56% point to insufficient staff time.
Gerry Robinson, HLP executive head, said: “As a relatively small provision, our resources are quite limited, particularly around STEM and computer equipment, but it’s what many of our children are really passionate about and can really engage them in education – having a space like this that they can come to in the local area is wonderful.”
Andrew Wands, Foundation education manager, said: “We know young people in our community have incredible potential, but often that potential goes untapped due to lack of access to the right opportunities. Our new STEM learning zone is about changing that – giving them the tools and inspiration to pursue careers that will shape the future.
“This initiative is just the beginning and we look forward to seeing the incredible ideas and innovations that will emerge from young minds around Tottenham.”
Delivery of activities in the learning zone will be supported by STEM ambassadors from the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham (LAET), the Club-sponsored sixth form on the Stadium campus.
Jan Balon, LAET head and a Foundation trustee, said: “We have students who are interested in going into STEM-related careers and being able to get involved in this kind of project will be amazing. Supporting younger children makes a huge difference in terms of leadership and mentoring skills.”
Plans for the learning zone were drawn up with support from specialists in STEM education Creative Hut.
Simon Davenport, Creative Hut chief marketing officer, said: “It’s great to finally see this after many months of planning. It’s a really proud moment. This space will bring kids out of the classroom and really help them build skills such as teamwork, collaboration and problem-solving that are critical for future careers.”
Local schools interested in accessing the learning zone should email andrew.wands@tottenhamhotspur.com.